Category Archives: city government

Dogs in Los Angeles: A five story package about the city’s canine culture

Dogs in Los Angeles

Keeping A “No Kill” Status: The challenges L.A. Department of Animal Services face in maintaining its save rate for dogs

By Josh DuBose

December 5, 2019

LOS ANGELES – In a glass paned visitation room, at the East Valley Animal Shelter, volunteer Jason Davila sits on the floor with five small, mixed breed dogs. Kahlua, a light brown Chihuahua mix that’s been at the shelter for eight months, is between his legs alternately shivering and playfully nipping at two of his roommates, Toby and Princess, both of whom want similar access to their visitor’s lap. Nearby, Milo and Bacon cuddle on a somewhat ragged yellow blanket in preparation for what looks like the start of a hard earned nap. read more

Battle Over Sex For Sale: Anti-trafficking advocates vs. sex-workers rights

By Josh DuBose

July 17, 2018

LOS ANGELES – Adult film performer Siouxsie Q. James’s style, a mash-up of the all-American pinup girl and classic dominatrix – call it Betty Boop turned Goth Mistress – stands in contrast to her effervescent personality and friendly laugh. She’s also dedicated to fighting for the rights of sex workers. read more

The Gloves Are Off: Immigrants rights activist Jana Ivkovic has to fight

By Josh DuBose

May 14, 2018

LOS ANGELES – Jana Ivkovic is a self-professed pessimist. But the 37-year-old immigrants rights activist, herself a former Serbian émigré, doesn’t let skepticism stop her from challenging policies that threaten the city’s undocumented and documented immigrant community. read more

Fighting “Trump’s Deportation Machine”: Advocates hold community forum to educate undocumented and native-born citizens on potential LAPD policy update

Attendees of the community forum view an immigration timeline exhibit and add their personal immigration stories with sticky-notes

November 15, 2017

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Police Department is considering changing a 40-year-old policy that forbids officers from asking residents about their immigration status. The department is drafting recommendations and will submit them to the L.A. Police Commission later this year. read more

Citywide Sanctuary: Los Angelinos come out to support calls for an ordinance that protects undocumented residents

October 5, 2017

LOS ANGELES – About 300 people packed the basement auditorium of the Service Employees International Union building in Koreatown on Thursday to support a resolution that named L.A. a “city of sanctuary.” read more

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Gray Death: The Latest and Deadliest of Heroin Cocktails

written for Inspire Malibu

The crisis of opioid addiction in the United States is an ever-evolving tragedy. Healthcare professionals, state and federal legislatures and law enforcement have, so far, been unable to stop or contain the spread of opioids and heroin spiked with even more powerful and deadly drugs. In fact, it has become increasingly difficult for scientists to keep pace with new heroin cocktails. read more

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Will California’s AB 186 Create Safe Spaces to use Heroin and other Opioids?

written for Inspire Malibu

April 25, 2017

LOS ANGELES – Like other states in the U.S., California has seen a spike in overdoses as a result of heroin and prescription painkillers. While the news cycle appears to have moved away from the country’s opioid epidemic, the problem persists. In 2015, an estimated 33,000 people fatally overdosed on heroin or opioid medication, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. read more

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Criminalizing Overdoses: A bad Idea Laced with Good Intentions

Written for Inspire Malibu

March 21, 2017

Nestled between Columbus and Cincinnati, Washington Court House, Ohio, a town with little more than 14,000 residents at last count, is now charging drug overdose survivors with “inducing panic.” The misdemeanor, which can result in a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail, is levied immediately after first responders save a victim’s life, in most cases, with naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. read more

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C.U.R.B. and State Prison Reform Advocacy

November 11, 2015

LOS ANGELES – Diana Zuniga, 28, has been in and out of California prisons for 24 years of her life. She’s been visiting incarcerated family members. Her father is scheduled for release in four to five years. Her uncle is serving 35 years to life. read more

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